 Centuries
ago merchant seamen following the trade winds discovered Malaysia.
Captivated by its natural beauty and tropical bounty many returned again
and again, some even choosing to make the idyll paradise of these shores
home.
Today, Malaysia is a haven for adventure and nature lovers. Easy
accessibility, the warm tropical climate, on-going conservation efforts
and many beautiful nature spots all contribute to making Malaysia a
premier eco-tourism destination.
Almost three-fifths of Malaysia's 330,433 sq. km land mass is covered by
tropical rainforests which are home to a variety of exotic, rare and
protected flora and fauna. Cascading waterfalls, rapid rivers, serene
lakes, craggy mountains, secret caves, bountiful seas, kaleidoscopic
coral reefs and scenic islands all offer something for each individual.
Challenging jungle treks, leisurely swims, the adrenaline-pumping thrill
of whitewater rafting or a quiet communion with nature are among the
wide range of activities that can be enjoyed in Malaysia's fascinating
outdoor environment.
The magical islands of Langkawi, Payar
and Pangkor surrounded by the warm waters of the Straits of Malacca
offer excellent diving opportunities all-year round. Off the eastern
coast in the South China Sea, the paradise islands of Perhentian,
Redang, Tenggol, Kapas, Tioman, Rawa, Sibu, Tinggi and Besar are
reknowned for their marine diversity and clear waters. The dive sites
off Sabah in Borneo are equally lovely; the most prominent being the
islands of the Tuanku Abdul Rahman National Park, the Layang-Layang
atoll and Pulau Mabul. For wreck diving, the island of Labuan, off
Sabah's south-western coast, boasts of some of the region's most
fabulous sites. Most of the dive sites in Malaysia are found within its
marine parks which serve as sanctuaries for the protection and
preservation of the fragile marine eco-systems with their wealth of
marine life and vegetation.
Freshwater or inland fishing is an
activity gaining in popularity. Tasik Kenyir, Tasek Bera, Tasik Chini
and Tasik Dampar, and the Semborang Reservoir in Peninsular Malaysia are
home to species like Belida, Toman, Grass Carp and Tinfoil Barb which
await the avid angler's hooks.
The country's many rivers and streams
also teem with many species of fresh-water fish.
The waters off the east coast and Sabah
and Sarawak also beckon the deep sea or game fishing enthusiast. For
those with a yen for speed, white water rafting in Sabah offers a truly
exhilarating ride down swift rivers. Those seeking higher altitudes will
enjoy the mountain climbing challenge of Gunung Kinabalu.
The more introspective visitor may prefer
time alone with nature and activities such as bird watching, camping and
cave exploring are satisfying ways to get to enjoy nature.
GETTING THERE
With the numerous points of entry into
Malaysia by land, air and sea, getting to your ultimate destination will
be relatively easy. Domestic air fares are reasonable though those with
time to spare may prefer to travel overland by train, bus, car or a
combination of these in order to experience more of the country.
Mountain
Climbing ,
Jungle
Trekking ,
Bird Watching
, Cave
Exploring ,
White Water
Rafting ,
Off-road Driving ,
Angling ,Scuba
Diving ,
Top
Dive Site ,
Map
of Diving |
